A shocked community have condemned a group of youths after a man was the subject of a flurry of racist slurs during a Saturday night assault in Davidson’s Mains.

The terrifying ordeal saw the young man and his group of friends treated to a torrent of racially-motivated abuse after getting off a bus on Main Street before one man was seriously assaulted.

The Greggs on Main Street where the two men got off the bus before the incident. Picture: Google Maps

Liberal Democrat Cllr Kevin Lang, encouraged witnesses to get in touch with the police. He said: “This is a shocking and disgusting attack. Davidson’s Mains is a friendly and welcoming community and I know local people will be concerned an assault such as this has happened here.

“I would encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information to contact the police. We must bring those responsible to justice.”

At about 11.30pm on Saturday two men aged 19 and 20, who are originally from Poland, got off a bus with their 20-year-old female friend at the Greggs bakery on Main Street. They were confronted by a group of over 10 youths who started to taunt them before subjecting the two men to racial abuse.

During the confrontation the 19-year-old victim challenged the suspects and followed them as they made their way towards The Green.

The 19-year-old was then attacked from behind and fell to the ground where the gang continued to assault him.

He sustained a serious facial injury and various cuts to his head and arm which required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Tory Cllr Graham Hutchison said he was shocked and saddened to hear of the assault. He said: “Davidson’s Mains is a quiet residential neighbourhood and there is a thriving Polish community in the north of the city. There has been several instances of anti social behaviour in the area over the last year stemming from roving groups of youths and this incident and its racially motivated nature represents a deeply troubling escalation.

“I wish the victim a speedy recovery from his injuries and would ask that anyone with any information comes forward to assist the Police with their enquiries.”

Stand up to Racism Edinburgh said they condemn the attack as abhorrent and unacceptable. A spokesman said: “Edinburgh is a very welcoming and multicultural city which has a very long and proud history of welcoming migrants. And in turn they have added to the vibrancy and wealth of the city.

“This other vast majority of people reject racism – and welcome people of all backgrounds into our communities.”

Officers are continuing with inquiries. Detective Constable Gavin Howat said: “In addition to the serious assault, the victim and one of his friends were subjected to racial abuse and we will not tolerate any such offences. Anyone who witnessed the attack, or who can help us identify the suspects should contact police immediately.

“We would also urge anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation to also get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Corstorphine CID via 101 and quote incident number 4914 of the July 21.

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